Transcript Nonverbal Communication and Interviewing

Nonverbal Communication and
Interviewing
Presented by: Carolyn
Stevenson
Faculty Member,
Communication Department
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Have you ever heard anyone say, "His
actions spoke so loudly I couldn't hear what
he said?" Have you ever wondered whether
anyone has said this about you? What we do
is a means of communication, subject to
interpretation by others. Did you ever stop to
think that even failure to act is a way of
communicating?
What is nonverbal communication?
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Beyond the actual words we use
Not "body language"--much more
Replaces verbal, reinforces verbal, contradicts
verbal
Proxemics--spatial cues
Chronemics--time
Kinesics--body movement
Objectics--objects and appearance
Olfactics--smell
Vocalics--voice
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Interviewees usually have less than 30 seconds to
create an impression in their interviews. First
impressions are created before they even open their
mouths.
Nonverbal communication or body language is a
very crucial part of any interview. It can determine
whether you'll succeed in the interview or otherwise.
The subtle messages that we send out to other
people without even speaking is what nonverbal
communication is all about.
First Impressions Count!
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First impressions make a lasting impression
and what created this lasting impression is
the non-verbal communication. A good start
of an interview is when you get a good first
impression. If it starts with a positive
impression, the chances of your next actions
will be viewed as positive by the interviewer
is more very high.
Dress to Impress
Wearing professional attire is still expected at
interviews in the modern workplace. Be sure
that your clothes are wrinkle-free and that
shoes are polished or brushed. Pay attention
to the little details like lint on a suit or an
inappropriate purse that can take away from
a professional appearance.
Dressing For Interviews
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Clothing communicates our level of
professionalism in a nonverbal manner.
Remember that stylish is typically not
conservative. Conservative is “in” for
interviewing.
Why? Because you should be doing the
talking, not your clothes.
Guidelines for Success Interviews
Dress
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Men and Women
Conservative two-piece business suit (solid dark blue or grey is best)
Conservative long-sleeved shirt/blouse (white is best, pastel is next
best)
Clean, polished conservative shoes
Well-groomed hairstyle
Clean, trimmed fingernails
Minimal cologne or perfume
Empty pockets—no bulges or tinkling coins
No gum, candy, or cigarettes
Light briefcase or portfolio case
No visible body piercing (nose rings, eyebrow rings, etc.) or tattoo
Men
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Necktie should be silk with a conservative pattern
Dark shoes (black lace-ups are best)
Dark socks (black is best)
Get a haircut; short hair always fares best in interviews
Fresh shave; mustaches are a possible negative, but if you
must, make sure it is neat and trimmed
No beards (unless you are interviewing for a job as a
lumberjack!)
No rings other than wedding ring or college ring
No earrings (if you normally wear one, take it out)
Women
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Wear a suit with a jacket and skirt or slacks; no dresses
Shoes with conservative heels
Conservative hosiery at or near skin color (and no runs!)
No purses, small or large; carry a briefcase instead
If you wear nail polish, use clear or a conservative color
Keep your makeup simple and natural (it should not be too
noticeable)
No more than one ring on each hand
One set of earrings only
Additional Resources
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If you are still unsure about the specifics after
reading the above guidelines, check out a
copy of John Molloy’s New Dress for
Success or New Women’s Dress for
Success. While these books may seem to
have a rather conservative slant, it is still the
norm for interviewing. It is almost always
better to be higher than the standard than
lower.
A Special Note on Shoes
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Many have said that you can judge a person
by their shoes. You will find that many ex–
military officers (many of whom have found
their way into management positions in
corporate America) are especially aware of a
person’s shoes. It is not enough to be clean
and pressed. Make sure your shoes are
conservative, clean, and polished.
Groom yourself
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A recent haircut, a close shave for men, and
a light touch with scent and makeup can do
wonders for your overall appearance as well
as your confidence.
Practice Interviewing
 Pay attention to facial expressions, tics,
gestures and posture while answering mock
interview questions. Spend at least 15 to 30
minutes to really get comfortable enough to
realize what you do when you are being
yourself.
Make eye contact
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Looking in the eyes of your interviewer
communicates confidence and sincerity.
Frequently looking away suggests that you
are not interested or that you are easily
distracted.
Focus on the interview
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Sit up straight to demonstrate your interest,
listen to the interviewer and show that you
are listening by nodding your head and
responding at appropriate times.
Be polite
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Be friendly to receptionists and assistants
when you arrive and act genuinely gracious
with your interviewers.
Use body language effectively
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Stay calm and do not fidget or gesture too
much. Avoid leaning back or appearing too
relaxed.
Shake hands with everyone
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Greet and leave everyone in the job interview
with a firm handshake accompanied by eye
contact and a smile.
Voice and facial expressions
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Ask questions at the end of the interview but
pay attention to your voice intonation and
facial expressions. Reacting negatively when
speaking of a former employer can speak
volumes about your personality.
Be professional
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Present resumes and portfolios in a
professional manner. Your paperwork stays
with the interviewers after you leave. Spend
the time so that they speak for you in a
positive way.
Conclusion
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Regardless of your position in the
organization it is important for you to develop
some sensitivity to nonverbal messages.
Cooperation improves as we recognize and
respond appropriately to non-verbal cues. Of
course you have been aware of non-verbal
communications all of your life, but how
much thought have you given them?
Questions or Comments????
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Feel free to email Carolyn Stevenson at
[email protected] with additional
comments or questions.